We’ve got some terrific news to share. The classy US American drama series The First Lady has finally winged its way to our screens, helping you get through those long winter evenings with a bingeworthy show about some very famous housewives.

Of course, these women are no ordinary housewives (although we’d love a Real Housewives spin-off about former First Ladies serving shade in the White House). The series dramatises the lives of Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Obama and Betty Ford, some of the most influential women in US history. The best part? Award-winning actors Gillian Anderson, Viola Davis and Michelle Pfeiffer star as America’s former leading ladies.

Across 10 episodes, viewers peek behind the star-spangled curtain into the East Wing, where powerhouse Presidents Roosevelt, Obama and Ford made revolutionary decisions that forever changed the world around them. These pivotal moments are beautifully woven together with their family lives, making a series that’s a captivating lesson about the inspiring legacies of these powerful families (and girl power!).

Don’t miss The First Lady on screens from 9pm on Sunday 3 November on U&Drama HD (CH 116). Until then, read on to find out all the reasons why you should be pledging allegiance to this star-studded drama.

Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt

Acclaimed actor Anderson is no stranger to playing some of the most famous women in history, with big name credentials including American socialite Wallis Simpson – whose marriage to Edward VIII prompted a right royal crisis – and former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. After stepping into the shoes of social visionary Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson applauded the immeasurable impact that Roosevelt had, saying in an interview, “It almost feels like she was the first First Lady and she defined what the potential of that role could be.”

Viola Davis as Michelle Obama

Need we say more? A trailblazing force whose versatile performances have earned her the prestigious Triple Crown of Acting – Oscar, Emmy, Tony – we couldn’t imagine anyone else but Davis portraying the first African American FLOTUS. Davis brings her razor-sharp precision and emotive aptitude to perfectly capture Michelle Obama’s personal trials and magnetic global influence, while giving viewers another showstopping performance to marvel at.

Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford

As one of the most bankable stars of the past half-century (her films have grossed an estimated $7 billion at the box office), Pfeiffer’s acting prowess makes her one of Hollywood’s greatest storytellers. And it seems that the weight of Betty Ford’s story isn’t lost on Pfeiffer, who told Entertainment Weekly, “I didn't know half of the contribution that Betty Ford made… I'm really honoured that I was given the opportunity to share that story with everyone.”

The ensemble support

We’ll admit it’s easy to be dazzled by the series’ leads when you’ve got three of the industry’s most formidable actors at its heart. But there have been widespread plaudits for the supporting cast including Kiefer Sutherland (Designated Survivor) as Franklin D Roosevelt, O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Barack Obama and Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight) as Gerald Ford. Completing the stellar line-up are Dakota Fanning (The Perfect Couple) as Betty’s daughter Susan, Lily Rabe (American Horror Story) as Eleanor’s confidante Lorena Hickok and Regina Taylor (The Unit) as Michelle’s mother Marian Robinson.

The rich storytelling

What makes The First Lady so compelling is the rich tapestry from which it draws its source material. The series reframes history by exploring the real challenges that these dynamic women faced when their husbands became President, detailing how each First Lady made the role their own.

From Michelle Obama advocating for impoverished communities and children’s nutrition to Eleanor Roosevelt’s impact on civil rights and Betty Ford sharing her breast cancer diagnosis and struggles with addiction, these women were the catalysts for social change that continue to influence politics today.

The remarkable off-screen talent

The First Lady’s talent extends far beyond the screen as shown by the roster of creatives working hard behind the scenes. The series is the brainchild of award-winning writer/producer Aaron Cooley while decorated producer Cathy Schulman (Crash, The Woman King) is the showrunner and Susanne Bier (Bird Box, The Night Manager) serves as director.

Then there’s the marvellous set design, a musical score from Hollywood composer Geoff Zanelli and enough jaw-dropping period costumes, hairstyles and make-up that it earned the series three Emmy Award nominations. Impressive stuff.

When can I watch The First Lady on TV?

You can watch The First Lady at 9pm on Sunday 3 November on U&Drama HD (CH 116) or catch up on all 10 episodes in On Demand > U&Drama or in Apps > U.